In the cosmetics industry, a moisturizer is a topical cream, lotion, serum, or an oil designed to maintain optimal levels of oils and water in the skin.

Among the thousands of various moisturizing products on the market some are tailored for morning or evening use; some are for a particular skin type, such as dry skin, combination skin, or oily skin; others are for skin prone to redness or rosacea, etc.

If formulated properly, each moisturizer is a balance of three types of ingredients: humectants, emollients, and occlusive agents. The concentration of these three elements determines the moisturizer's characteristics and use.

Let's break this down to understand how a moisturizer works, using ONLY natural, organic ingredients.

HUMECTANTS

A humectant is an ingredient that helps retain moisture. A moisturizer with a humectant ingredient will draw water from the dermis below, helping to re-hydrate the skin’s surface, but can cause some irritation to the skin in high concentrations.

The classic humectant is glycerin. (You might see it listed as glycerol, which is its alcohol form, on a product's ingredients list.) We do not use glycerin for a couple reasons. It can draw too much moisture, causing irritation and can produce a sticky or tacky feel. We opt for better humectants, such as shea butter, avocado oil, olive oil, castor oil, borage oil, lecithin, aloe vera or honey.

EMOLLIENTS

An emollient is an ingredient that fills in cracks between skin cells, helping to soften and smooth the skin’s surface and making it more flexible. They work by increasing the ability of the skin to hold water, providing the skin with a layer of oil to prevent water loss, and lubricating the skin to prevent dryness.They also contribute to the creamy texture of a moisturizer. 

There are many emollients used in natural cosmetics, most of which are oils like jojoba oil, sunflower oil and rice bran oil.

OCCLUSIVE AGENTS

Occlusive agents are the ingredients in skincare that form a film or barrier on the skin and prevent water loss through the skin. They can be very effective, but if too much is included in a product it can feel waxy or greasy on the skin.

The classic cosmetic occlusive agent is petrolatum, or petroleum jelly, which, of course, is never used in natural, organic products. Natural occlusive agents include zinc oxide, waxes, and some oils, like castor and jojoba oil. In the case of jojoba oil, it is most like our natural sebum and is a humectant, emollient and occlusive ingredient.

All of our moisturizers, be they creams, serums, body oils or body butters, are carefully formulated to give you the perfect balance of humectants, emollients and occlusive agents. Check them out HERE.


Here's hoping our explanation gives you some food for thought. Questions?

Today, February 28th, is my daughter's birthday. Eden was the inspiration for the company name, EdenSong, because she is a Song in my heart. When I became pregnant with her over 40 years ago, I did a turnabout and became completely immersed in all things natural and organic - be it food, gardening, skin care, clothing, or cleaning products . . . and the journey began.

Happy Birthday, dear Eden . . .

To learn more about us, check out our "about" page here: 
http://www.edensongskincare.com/about-us.html#axzz2uYjfHkTJ

This year's winter is definitely here, and while you're taking care to stay warm, keep in mind the important changes that occur to your skin throughout this season.

Colder weather means that you need to take extra car of your skin to avoid possible breakouts. Here are some steps to follow to soothe winter skin.

• Use an exfoliant moisturizer to remove dead skin cells. Be sure to exfoliate gently with a microfiber cloth or a soft scrubber, especially if your skin is extremely dry and easily irritated.  
• Be sure to turn down the thermostat, because the hot air is drier than cool air and your main objective is to soothe dry skin.
• Avoid hot baths or showers. Yes, they may feel marvelous after a long cold day, but your dry skin become even drier. Use lukewarm water and concentrate on washing the areas that have a tendency to get dirtier, such as the face, underarms and feet. 
  
• No worries about the sun, right? Wrong! You still need to protect against sun rays. The snow reflects 80% of the sun rays, so don't forget to use a hat and scarf for extra protection, along with a natural SPF 15 sunscreen. 
• Don't forget about maintaining a healthy diet. Eat foods rich in healthy fats to help soothe your dry skin. Fatty acids are our skin's natural barrier, preventing dryness and retaining moisture. Consume foods rich in omega-3, like flax seed, walnuts, salmon and sardines. 
• Use heavier creams and butters to inhibit moisture loss.

What do you do differently in the wintertime to care for your skin? Share your tips!

We're very proud to announce that EdenSong Essentials is featured in official gifting for some of the biggest names in Country Music, as well as executives for The 46th Annual CMA Awards! 

Watch LIVE on Nov. 1 at 8p/7p Central on ABC.

The first “CMA Awards Banquet and Show” was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast on NBC Television for the first time – making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The Awards aired on NBC through 1971, on the CBS Television Network from 1972 through 2005, and has aired on ABC since 2006. ABC will be the network home of the CMA Awards through 2021.

Our participation is possible because of our affiliation as a proud member of The Artisan Group.

The Artisan Group is an elite art promotions group representing talented artisans at Hollywood’s best celebrity gift lounges. It provides a sampling of handcrafted products to celebrities and members of the press at major award show gift lounges such as those leading up to The Academy Awards, The Golden Globes, The MTV Movie Awards and The Primetime Emmys. Membership in the Artisan Group is juried and by invitation only. Members showcase a broad range of specialties including jewelry; spa and bath products; designer stationary and paper goods; crocheted apparel; children’s clothing; accessories and toys; ceramics; purses and totes; hand-poured candles; book binding and journals; illustrations and paintings; hand-dyed scarves; fine art photography; hair accessories; pet apparel and toys; woodworking products and more. The Artisan Group also offers its members guidance in the areas of sales, marketing, social media and public relations.

The Artisan Group is in no way associated with MTV, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Hollywood Foreign Press Association or The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Talent gifted: Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Brantley Gilbert, Carrie Underwood, Colbie Caillat, Connie Britton, Eli Young Band, Faith Hill, Hayden Panettiere, Hunter Hayes, Jana Kramer, Jason Aldean, John Legend, Keith Urban, Kellie Pickler, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Kevin Canady, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Lisa Marie Presley, Little Big Town, Love & Theft, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, Mickey Raphael, Miranda Lambert, Reba, Scotty McCreery, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, The Band Perry, Tim Allen, Tim McGraw, Vince Gill, Will Hoge, Zac Brown Band, along with a number of executives from ABC and the CMAs.

We're excited to see our specialized edible organic skin care product line getting this exposure!

At the beginning of the new year, we promised you new products and we are getting ready to roll them out!  It takes a lot of work to make sure our products are ready for you through proper formulation and testing, so thanks for your patience.

Take a peek at what we have in store for you.  We're sure you'll be as pleased with them as we are!

Jagged Defense Shaving Cream 3 oz $25

Our natural shaving cream is ideal for both men and women. It is excellent for a man's bristly beard, as well as for the softer feminine hair on legs, underarms, bikini and Brazilian.  It soothes the skin and helps with razor nicks. Jagged Defense moisturizes, provides a smoother, irritation-free shave, creates slip with superior lubrication and prevents razor drag.  Helps eliminate razor burn and rashes, while protecting against the harsh environment.  You can expect smoother and suppler skin. Works great in combination with our Razor Glide Shaving Oil.

To use:  Massage cream into clean, wet skin to soften skin, uplift hair follicles, and provide slick razor surface.  Shave with the grain to prevent nicks.  Can be used solo or combined with our Razor Glide Shaving Oil for turbocharged results.

Edible Organic Ingredients
Garcinia Indica (Kokum) Seed Butter, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Lecithin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Peel Extract, Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil

Razor Glide Shaving Oil 1 oz $25

Works wonders for both men and women on even the most sensitive skin. Razor Glide provides greater protection, smooth glide-enabling and superb moisturizing properties, giving you a closer, consistently smooth and irritation-free shave.  The organic ingredients help eliminate razor burn due to its protecting ability and moisturizing effect without clogging pores, leaving your skin conditioned and moisturized, not oily.  It applies clear, so you can actually see where you are shaving with no mess! Say goodbye to cuts and nicks!

Our shaving oil is a blend of vegetable oils or silicone oils and essential oils that can be used as a stand-alone shaving lubricant or as pre-shave underneath shaving cream, soap or gel, to facilitate shaving facial and other body hair. If a pre-shave is your preferred method, we highly recommend using it in combination with our Jagged Defense Shaving Cream. Often these products would work best by wetting the area before the razor being used.

The concentrated formula delivers a comparable number of shaves as commercial brands, up to 100 shaves.

To use: Massage a few drops of oil into clean, wet skin to soften skin, uplift hair follicles, and provide slick razor surface.  Shave with the grain to prevent nicks.  Can be used solo or combined with our Jagged Defense Shaving Cream for turbocharged results. Razor Glide moisturizes, provides a smoother, irritation-free shave, creates slip and prevents razor drag.  Helps eliminate razor burn and rashes. Works great for men and women.

Edible Organic Ingredients
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Oil

Calming Comfort Balm 2.5 oz $50

Potent cell regeneration and repair capabilities help to alleviate irritated skin, bumps, bruises, wounds and burns. Treat ouchies organically with our special blend that promotes skin recovery, reduces redness and inflammation of the skin, while helping to relieve pain.  It assists in soothing and calming skin, and aids in reducing discomfort, as it helps restore and protect dry or damaged skin.  It is powerfully antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal, with natural relaxant, anti-depressant properties.

To use: Apply to affected skin and gently massage in, as often as needed. Safe for all ages, including infants.

Edible Organic Ingredients
Dromaius Novaehollandiae (Emu) Oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Pentadesma Butyracea (Kpangnan) Seed Butter, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Infused Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil

We are also working on a honey facial scrub that gently exfoliates, tones with anti-aging and anti-acne properties. Sweeeet!

We expect to roll out these new products within the next month, so be sure to check back soon.

What products would you like to see in our store that we don't already offer?

Hot and humid weather, as well as chlorinated or salt water, all take their toll on our skin during summer. Here are some helpful summer skin care tips for keeping your skin safe and beautiful all season long.

DON'T NEGLECT YOUR SKIN
Most aging to the skin occurs in the summertime.  Your best defenses against skin aging from sun exposure is consistent application of sun protection, facials and a regular skin care routine. 

WEAR SUNSCREEN TO CUT BACK ON SUN DAMAGE
Recent skin research from UCLA determined that 78% of all the sun damage is from incidental exposure.  This may occur from simply walking from your office or home to your car or driving.  To avoid unnecessary sun exposure, wear a moisturizer with sun block ingredients, in addition to wearing a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater.  Whether you wear SPF 15 or SPF 30 doesn’t really matter.  How often you reapply your sunscreen is more important.  There’s little difference between the protection of SPF 15 and SPF 30 – only about 4%, and it’s even less in the higher numbers.  So remember, the key is to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours.  Slather it on!

USE COLD YOGURT TO SOOTHE A SUNBURN
Layering lotion on sunburned skin traps heat, keeping the skin red longer. Skin needs to breathe to let out heat. Cold plain yogurt acts as an anti-inflammatory and heat remover. Apply, let dry for 15 minutes, and rinse. Repeat every hour.

USE HAND CREAM THAT CONTAINS SUNSCREEN
The majority of aging on hands (sun spots and wrinkles) is attributable to driving with your hands on the steering wheel.  Use a hand cream with an SPF of at least #15 each day.

FOR SENSITIVE SKIN, KEEP YOUR PRODUCTS IN THE REFRIGERATOR
If you have redness or rosacea-like symptoms, constant summer heat may keep your skin red and irritated. Refrigerate your products so that when you use them, the cold reduces the dilation of the capillaries and reduces visible redness.

ANTIOXIDANTS, TOPICALLY AND INTERNALLY
One of the main sources of damaging free radicals is through sunlight.  Research indicates that antioxidants in topical skin care products and taken internally through fruit and vegetable sources like spinach, tomatoes, berries and sweet potatoes, can provide your skin and body with the defense it needs to fight off damaging free radicals which increase aging.

DON'T RELY ONLY ON YOUR SUNSCREEN
Reapply every one or two hours if you are out in the sun, because your sunscreen will wear off, sweat off and wash off.  Be sure to wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing as well for added protection to guard your skin against sun damage. Avoid the sun if you want to look young!  Any exposure to sun may cause damage to your skin.  And don’t exclude tanning beds, as they are even worse.

BLOT, BLOT, BLOT
Summer months produce extra oils on your skin, which is unavoidable.  Keep the shine under control with oil blotting paper.  If you find yourself in a pinch, try using the paper for toilet seat covers in public restrooms, which are similar to expensive oil blotting papers. Tear off a piece and press firmly on the skin. Voila!

GET YOUR ZZZZS
Most Americans, especially women, are sleep deprived; causing you to be grouchy, drowsy, and forgetful, and it will also wreak havoc on your skin.  An extra hour each night will make a huge difference.

WASH MAKEUP BRUSHES OFTEN AND SUN DRY
With the summer months bringing oilier skin, your makeup brushes may carry bacteria and oil in the bristles, resulting in breakouts and clogged pores.  Use a tablespoon of gentle cleanser in a glass of warm water to clean your brushes by swishing them until there’s lather.  Rinse, detangle with a clean comb and dry out in the sun in an upright glass.  The sun will destroy bacteria and dry your brushes faster.

BOTTOM LINE
The #1 cause of lines and wrinkles is sun exposure. If you want to look young, avoid the sun. It's really that simple. A little sun damage = a little damage. A lot of sun = a lot of damage.

SUNSCREEN INGREDIENTS IN PRODUCTS
When deciding on products to give you extra sun protection here are some ingredients to look for: avocado oil, coconut oil, emu oil, grapeseed oil and extract, honey, jojoba oil, red raspberry seed oil, rice bran oil, shea butter, tamanu oil, vitamin C, and zinc oxide.

Why is it still so hard to find truly pure skin care products?

I'm taking about products that are free from parabens, fillers, petroleum, chemical preservatives, and who knows what else that may contain toxins?  One would think with the movement towards green and clean, organic and natural, that more and more of the major companies would meet the demands of the public, but unfortunately, the majority do not.  They continue to produce products with known ingredients, which are considered detrimental to our health.  Why?  Because it's cheaper and because they can.

Let's face it -- not everyone chooses to go organic and natural, green or even cares what's in their skin care products.  For those that do wish to use purer, greener ingredients, and are having trouble finding them or may not quite understand how to decipher the labels, rest assured there are formulators that care.  We, at EdenSong Essentials, are among the latter group and our goal is to provide you the best and purest edible 100% natural organic skin care.

We urge you, as the reader, to ask questions, get informed and educated about everything you are putting on your body, because we are what eat.

What is your skin eating?

We will be covering skin care ingredients in future blog posts, along with simple recipes you can make at home, as well as other relevant skin care topics - and some random subjects now and again.